b'TestedPenn Battle III 8000 HSBY MATHEW HEWETSON T he Battle III line-PENN BATTLE III 8000 HS up has plenty of models on offer, so we were eager to try out the larger Last year over winter we tested the Penn Battle III 2500 whichsizes and at the proved a nice small spin reel for lure fishing.It was a tough littleend of 2020 we settled on the higher specced 8000 HS reel too, as we landed an approximate metre long kingfish on it(High Speed) model.when on our first trip out using the reel. This red and black reel stands out from the other Penn black and gold models, The cover shot trevally was landedits appeal is that it offers by Christian Hewetson using thegreat versatility as either a new Penn Battle III 8000 HS onsurfcasting, jigging or top the Kilwell Powerplay. water reel for those anglers looking for a solid all-round performer at an affordable price (under $230).I was looking for a suitable surfcasting reel to retire my older Fin Nor Biscayne 8000 to the top shelf in the garage, which had served me well for several years of hard work in the surf.I had also owned a legendary Penn 8500SS spin reel back in the mid-2000s, which also sits on the top shelf.I like to keep those older reels as they are sentimental to those good fishing times.Back to the Battle III 8000 HS, and this reel has a quick ratio of 5.3:1, with good capacity to hold over 450m of 50lb (24kg) braid.Ideal for jigging or top water, but as I would use this reel mostly for surfcasting, I spooled it with 35lb Sunline 8x braid (8-strand).Sunline has proven to be quality braid line for me on my jigging, surfcasting and softbaiting reels over the past few seasons.With a maximum drag of 13.6kg (30lb) on call, with full metal body, side plate and rotor, HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers, 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, a superline spool with line capacity rings and this reel looks good on paper.74FISHING IN GODZONE MAR/APR 2021'